DIS/CONNECTED

In this episode of the Disconnected Podcast, Lucia Ryan speaks with Wes Towers about the transformative impact of AI on businesses and industries. Wes shares his journey of embracing AI technology, the challenges of job displacement, and the importance of maintaining human connection in a digital world. They discuss the balance between leveraging technology and staying true to personal and business values, as well as the role of governments in regulating AI. The conversation highlights the need for adaptability, authenticity, and wisdom in leadership as we navigate the future of work in an AI-driven landscape.

Join Lucia on the DIS/CONNECTED podcast as she delves into the complexities of political polarization with author Alison Lea Sher.
Discover insights from Alison's book : "The Social Contagion: Viral Ideologies & the Culture War for America's Future" exploring the rise of radical politics in the US and the impact of social media on our perceptions.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how these dynamics shape our world today.
Link to Alison's webpage and all information about where you can aquire the book :
⁠https://alisonsher.com/

In this insightful episode of the Disconnected podcast, host Lucia R. engages with Chris Rogers, a certified addiction recovery coach, to tackle the sensitive topic of porn addiction among today's youth. They explore the psychological and social impacts of high-speed internet access to pornography, discuss the challenges of overcoming this addiction and highlight the importance of recovery programs like the Rebooted Teen Program. Join them for a candid conversation that sheds light on the path to recovery and offers practical advice for parents and teens navigating this complex issue.
 
If you are seeking help for the topic discussed and you are interested in Chris' programm, please follow the links below:
⁠https://www.rebootedteen.com/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/rebootedteen/⁠
 
 

Episode #6 of the DIS/CONNECTED is here after a brief 1-week-break due to many many exciting episodes that have to be prepared!
In this episode of the DIS/CONNECTED Podcast, Lucia Ryan and guest Emmy Laybourne explore phone addiction.
Emmy shares her journey to overcome it with her self-made program called "Fight Your Phone" , focusing on digital detox and real-world engagement.
They discuss the psychological effects of phone use and the need for tech boundaries. Tune in for insights on reclaiming digital control.
 
Please check the link below to fight your phone, if you need to : ⁠https://www.fightyourphone.com⁠
 
Episode chapter overview:
00:00 Introduction to Phone Addiction
02:54 The Journey of Recovery: Analog April
05:59 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
08:48 The Default Mode Network and Creativity
11:28 The Role of Phones in Modern Life
14:34 Understanding Youth and Phone Addiction
17:16 The Importance of Leading by Example
20:01 The Fight Against Big Tech
23:12 Consciousness and Energy Drain from Phones
31:31 The Challenge of Face-to-Face Interactions
33:48 The Impact of Text Communication
37:09 Navigating Messaging and Real-Life Connections
40:44 Understanding Emotions in the Digital Age
45:20 Striking a Balance with Technology
51:15 The Search for Distraction in a Chaotic World
56:58 Finding Hope Amidst Negativity

DISCLAIMER :
If you should struggle with any form of addiction, please don't listen to this podcast episode alone or skip the episode and feel free to listen to my other content.
END DISCLAIMER
About:
In this episode of the DIS/CONNECTED Podcast, Lucia Ryan speaks with John Borden, a hybrid athlete and personal coach, about his journey from being a high-functioning addict to finding clarity and purpose.
They discuss the impact of technology on addiction, the challenges of substance abuse, and the transformative power of self-reflection and personal growth.

In this episode I am talking to behavior designer and counselor Alexandra Velez about the change of the dating game since the rise of online dating and online dating apps. 
With in-depth knowledge about the ins and outs of the design of applications and how are brain works once we start dating online she goes right into the deep end of the crises of deteriorating connectivity in modern life. 
 
For episode related links, please see below : 
 
If you want to get counseling directly from Alexandra Velez, please see the link here :  ⁠https://www.mysecureera.com⁠
 
On worldwide reports on the “loneliness epidemic ”, reports of the WHO (World Health Organization) are available here for download: 
 
⁠https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection⁠
 
The report about loneliness in youth in the Netherlands is provided by the RIVM (Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment): 
⁠https://www.rivm.nl/en/news/more-than-half-of-young-adults-reported-experiencing-mental-health-problems?utm_source=chatgpt.com⁠
 
If you or a loved one feels lonely & isolated or needs help regarding mental health, please see the link below on various helplines world wide: 
 
⁠https://findahelpline.com⁠

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did when I recorded it with John van der Pouwkraan - an AI-expert and entrepreneur in his own right. An open discussion about AI today. How do we navigate our world since the rise of ChatGPT and other AI tools : new job possibilities, challenges and the question: will we become more like an AI or is AI becoming more like us. A matter-of-fact no-hype and therefore refreshing approach on all of this and more!

I had the great privilege of talking to Elif Durgel (psychologist) on the second episode of DIS/CONNECTED. We talked about the challenges our society navigates when talking about smartphone / device usage in children and teenagers.Be prepared for a really insightful episode that provides some hands-on advice. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BE A GUEST AT THE SHOW ABOUT THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: AI - exploring advantages & disadvantages How social media influences our political views Radicalization online Social media and mental health  Video gaming addiction Smartphone addiction / Device addictionPLEASE  FREE TO REACH OUT TO ME VIA MAIL: DISCONNECTED.TALKS.PODCAST@GMAIL.COM LINKS : Please find below the links that are related to this episode for more information on the topics we talked about: On Jonathan Haidt : About his book “”The Anxious Generation” on his own webpage: https://jonathanhaidt.com/anxious-generation/Smartphone Free Childhood grass root organization: General information webpage: https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.orgFor the UK: https://parentpact.smartphonefreechildhood.co.ukFor the Netherlands:https://ouderpact.smartphonevrijopgroeien.nlFor the U.S.A.: https://www.smartphonefreechildhoodus.comOn DSM & ICD: On the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders):https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsmOn the ICD (International Classification of Diseases): https://icd.who.int/en/

In this inaugural episode of the DIS/CONNECTED podcast, Lucia R. explores the intersection of technology, society, and mental health. She discusses her background as a full stack developer and sociologist, raising critical questions about the impact of social media and smartphone usage on communication and social interactions. The conversation delves into the effects of AI on the labor market, the rise of political polarization, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Lucia emphasizes the importance of navigating these challenges while maintaining human connections and fostering open discussions about mental health and technology addiction.Thanks for listening in ! On the 15.07 there will be a new episode of DIS/CONNECTED with Elif Durgel! Tune in! If you want to a guest at the show, you are welcome to send a mail to : disconnected.talks.podcast@gmail.com Link to the MIT study "Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task": https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.08872

DIS/CONNECTED is a podcast born from one striking observation: everywhere we go, we’re glued to our screens—but are we still truly connected with ourselves and with each other ?In this show, we explore how digital life is reshaping our society, our minds, and our relationships. From loneliness to addiction, from dating apps to dumb phones, from AI’s rise to the polarization of political discourse. DIS/CONNECTED digs deep into what it means to live in an increasingly online world.Through conversations with experts, everyday users, and those who've stepped away from the digital grid, we question how tech is influencing not only our personal lives, but also our collective understanding of politics, history, and reality itself.This podcast is also an experiment: built with almost no social media presence. No Instagram. No TikTok. No YouTube. Just honest dialogue and one question at its core—can we still connect without being constantly online ?Join us as we navigate the gray zones of the digital age.